Chicken. Out.

Vegan fast-food restaurant with signature ‘chikn’ serves up second Houston location

Project Pollo is serving up more vegan dishes in Houston.

San Antonio export Project Pollo is expanding its footprint in the Bayou City. Back in June, CultureMap reported the newcomer had turned a Katy Whataburger into its first Houston outpost.

Now, southwest Houston is getting its own Project Pollo, with the chain opening operations at 6705 Fondren Rd., featuring it signature sandwiches, wraps, and nuggets. The new location, one of 14 new restaurants the chain is set to launch, will open September 18.

The brainchild of Lucas Bradbury, one of QSR Magazine's Young Restaurant Leaders to Watch, Project Pollo uses plant-based, vegan products in its menu items, "with the hopes of eventually putting Chick-fil-A out to pasture," according to the press release announcing the Houston expansion.

Bradbury's commitment to sustainability is absolute, reflected not only in his menu items, but also in his commitment to provide a caring environment for its employees, and its dedication to helping the community. The company's press materials note that Pollo donates two additional sandwiches for the sale of every $5.50 People Project Crispy Strip sandwich.

Through this charitable initiative, the company is able to give away a minimum of 1,000 sandwiches on a designated day each quarter to those in need.

The company is banking on the fact that socially minded diners will be on board with that. What they can expect to find at the new Fondren location will be a selection of favorite Project Pollo items, including the Original Project Sandwich and Loaded Papas smothered in Credo Cashew Queso, which is made to order from scratch.

Project Pollo uses a non-GMO soy patty and all-natural spices to create a flavor it says is so real, diners forget they're note eating actual chicken. Diners can choose from in-house dining or drive-thru, along with curbside online ordering. Catering is also available.

Bonus for environmental warriors: Everything from the bags to the containers and cups is compostable, something Bradbury says he feels should be the norm at all restaurants, vegan or not.

“There shouldn’t be a national concept using standard plastic as a choice,” he said in a release announcing the second installment of the restaurant. “At the end of the day, we are 100 percent about saving the planet. Saving animals is a happy byproduct of that."

openings vegan health

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

A taste of Manhattan has made its way to Houston with the immersive LIT-Mas Spectacular holiday pop-up. From now until January 12, Houstonians can discover the hype behind New York City’s The Drunken Lab that's known for its unique blend of science and cocktails.

This pop-up marks the first expansion for The Drunken Lab’s parent company, Science and Sip, a concept created to make science accessible and unforgettable. Attendees can dive into holiday-themed science experiments — including explosive endothermic reactions — while enjoying festive cocktails in a winter wonderland setting enhanced with a live DJ. Appropriately, the pop-up is located in the Museum District at 4715 Main Street.

“Houston was the perfect next step for Science and Sip,” founder Cautney Nelson said in a statement. “The city’s vibrant culture, love of celebration, and ties to science through world-famous programs like NASA aligns beautifully with our mission to blend entertainment with discovery.”

Visitors enter a world filled with larger-than-life gingerbread decor and candy-inspired installations where light bulbs and laboratory flasks have been transformed into quirky beverage containers. Admission includes one cocktail or mocktail, a lab coat and goggles, and two to three science experiments. Add-ons like cocktail-filled ornament “Booze Balls” and Grinch-inspired pouches in festive red and green add an extra dose of holiday charm.

“We’re thrilled to host guests for an immersive holiday experience that merges festive fun with curiosity,” Nelson added. “With each pop-up, we aim to create a space where a great party and exploration come together, and we’re excited to see how Houston embraces The LIT-Mas Spectacular.”

A portion of the proceeds from LIT-Mas will benefit Millennial Scnce, a nonprofit founded by Nelson that provides students with accessible STEM resources and educational opportunities.

Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with showtimes at 2:30 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. Private party and group bookings are also available.

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

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